“This week is dedicated to our employees who have been working so hard they deserve to be recognized,” Corrections Commissioner Lino S. Tenorio said in a short ceremony in front of the adult correctional facility in Susupe.
He added that the “underpaid yet hard-working” correctional officers have been long-forgotten in the community, and they are often mistaken for security guards whose job is to provide security for the inmates and prevent them from escaping.
“That was then, this is now. Our correctional officers of today have expanded their duties and they have a tremendous responsibility that not many in the community envy them for the job that they do,” Tenorio said.
He stressed that the duties of correctional officers are just as risky and as important as those of the patrol officers on the streets who ensure the safety of the community, and just as risky as the police officers assigned in the seaports and airports who ensure that the island is safe from drugs, illegal aliens and other risks.
“It takes more responsibility for the correctional officers to prepare the inmates to be better citizens when they are released back to the community,” he said.
With the recognition of the correctional officers and staff, the department also awarded Corrections Officer 3 Stanley Ngircheungel as employee of the year, commending him for his “exemplary performance, professionalism and dedication to duty.”
“I didn’t expect this award, but I’m very proud and happy. I just did my job and will continue to do my job,” Ngircheungel said. He had been with Corrections for the last nine years.
Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez signed a proclamation on behalf of Gov. Benigno Fitial declaring Feb. 1-7 as Correctional Officers and Employees Week.
Villagomez said “the duties of Corrections officers and employees have become increasingly complex, very demanding and challenging, and often do not receive the recognition they deserve.”
Among the guests who attended the ceremony were Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela, Corrections Director Gregory F. Castro and Superior Court Associate Judge David A. Wiseman.
